The former reserved seat MP says her political affiliation is her democratic and constitutional right.
Former reserved-seat MP Sabina Akter Tuhin speaks to journalists from a prison van while being taken to jail from the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court on Wednesday (30 September). Photo: TBS
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Former reserved-seat MP Sabina Akter Tuhin speaks to journalists from a prison van while being taken to jail from the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court on Wednesday (30 September). Photo: TBS
Former reserved seat MP Sabina Akter Tuhin told journalists today (30 September) that she would keep supporting the Awami League even if she were sentenced to death for her political affiliation, describing it as her democratic and constitutional right.
“We have done nothing wrong, committed no acts of terrorism, and have no involvement in corruption. We have only engaged in politics. Yes, I am an Awami League supporter, I remain one, and I will continue to be one,” she said from a prison van while being taken to jail from the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court.
“The prime minister has said that those who are innocent will be released. Being involved with the Awami League is not a crime. It is my democratic right and my constitutional right,” she added.
Tuhin and other accused were produced before the court in a case filed over their participation in a Zoom meeting of the “Joy Bangla Brigade”, a pro-Awami League organisation, and involvement in activities against the state, including an alleged plot to overthrow the interim government.
The court was scheduled to hear arguments on framing charges against 286 accused, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. However, the hearing did not take place as Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury of the Third Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court was absent.
Acting judge Mosaddeq Minhaj subsequently set 15 October as the next date for the hearing, said defence lawyer Morshed Alam Shaheen.
On 27 March 2025, CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Enamul Haque filed the sedition case against Hasina and 72 others.
After an investigation, he submitted a charge sheet on 30 July naming Hasina and 285 others as accused. On 14 August, the court accepted the charge sheet and issued arrest warrants against the accused.
On 11 September, the court imposed a travel ban on the accused. On 14 October, it ordered newspaper notices asking Hasina and 260 other fugitives to appear before the court.
On 11 November, the case was transferred from the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court to the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court after it became ready for trial.
The case had been pending for a hearing on charge framing before the court of Judge Abdus Salam at Dhaka Special Judge Court-9.
On 23 February, it was transferred to the Third Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court for expeditious trial and disposal.
According to the case statement, on 19 December 2024, several hundred Awami League leaders and activists, including Hasina, took part in a Zoom meeting of the ‘Joy Bangla Brigade’ led by Dr Rabbi Alam, vice-president of the United States Awami League.
The allegations state that Hasina made anti-state remarks during the meeting and instructed party leaders and activists to oust the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The remarks subsequently circulated on social media across the country, according to the complaint.
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